The History of the Congregational Church - Chapter 5

By Rev. John A. Ross

(Hampton: Printed for the Parish - 1902)

Articles of Faith

1. We believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver and Moral Governor of the universe; a Being of infinite power, knowledge, wisdom, justice, goodness and truth; the self-existent, independent, and immutable fountain of good.

II. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God; that they are profitable for doctrine, for correction, for reproof, and for instruction in righteousness; and that they are our only rule for doctrinal belief and religious practice.

III. We believe that the mode of Divine Existence is such as lays a foundation for a distinction into three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are one in essence, and equal in power and glory.

IV. We believe that God has made all things for himself; that known unto Him are all his works from the beginning; and that he governs all things according to the counsel of his own will.

V. We believe that the divine law and the principles and administration of the divine government are perfectly holy, just and good; and that ill rational beings are bound to approve of them as such.

VI. We believe that God first created man in his own image, in a state of rectitude and holiness; and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine command in the article of the forbidden fruit.

VII. We believe that, in consequence of the first apostasy, the heart of man in his natural state is destitute of all holiness, and in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character and government of God; and that all men, previous to regeneration, are dead in trespasses and sins.

VIII. We believe that Christ, the Son of God, has by his obedience, sufferings and death, made atonement for sin; that he is the only Redeemer of sinners; and that all who are saved will be altogether indebted to the grace and mercy of God for their salvation.

IX. We believe that, although the invitation of the Gospel is such, that whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely, yet the depravity of the human heart is such, that no man will come to Christ except the Father, by the special and efficacious influence of his Spirit, draw him.

X. We believe that those who embrace the Gospel were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, that they should be holy and without blame before him in love; and that they are saved, not by works of righteousness which they have done, but according to the distinguishing mercy of God through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

XI. We believe that those who cordially embrace Christ, although they may be left to fall into sin, never will be left finally to fall away and perish, but will be kept by the mighty power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies, both of the just and the unjust.

XIII. We believe that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive a just and final sentence of retribution according to the deeds done in the body; and that, at the day of judgment, the state of all will be unalterably fixed; and that the punishment of the wicked and the happiness of the righteous will be endless.

XIV. We believe that Christ has a visible church in the world, into which none in the sight of God but real believers, and none in the sight of men but visible believers, have right of admission.

XV. We believe that the sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that believers in regular church standing only can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper: and that visible believers and their households only can consistently be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism.